Eagles' Wentz replacing VP Pence at National Prayer Breakfast

Feb. 7 (UPI) —Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Carson Wentz might not have started Super Bowl LII, but he isn’t playing backup at the National Prayer Breakfast.

North Dakota Rep. Kevin Cramer told Valley News Live that Wentz will deliver a keynote address, replacing Vice President Mike Pence, at the National Prayer Breakfast dinner Thursday in Washington, D.C.

The Eagles are also holding their Super Bowl LII championship parade on Thursday morning in Philadelphia.

Pence will be in Pyeongchang, South Korea, attending the Winter Olympics Opening Ceremony.

Wentz starred at the North Dakota State University before being picked No. 2 overall in the 2016 NFL Draft.

U.S. President Donald Trump delivers remarks at the 2017 National Prayer Breakfast in Washington, DC. Pool Photo by Win McNamee/UPI

The National Prayer Breakfast is held annually. It features a series of meetings and luncheons at the Hilton in Washington, D.C. The morning breakfast features two speakers while the dinner speaker concludes the event.

The event began under President Dwight Eisenhower in 1953. It is organized by a Christian organization, the Fellowship Foundation, and hosted by members of U.S. Congress. The President of the United States and other world leaders attend the event.

Previous speakers have included Mother Theresa, Bono and former British Prime Minister Tony Blair.

Wentz, 25, was engaged earlier this week to girlfriend Madison Oberg. He brought up his faith on Instagram Monday, posting a photo with Eagles quarterback Nick Foles.

“Love this guy and this team! We WORLD CHAMPS! Y’all better believe it! All glory to God! #AO1 #flyeaglesfly,” Wentz wrote on the photo.

Wentz also launched the AO1 Foundation in 2017, with a mission to “demonstrate the love of God by providing opportunities and support for the less fortunate and those in need.”